Shaping machine for use in shaping flexible materials



May 14, 1968 H. H. HOFFMAN SHAPING MACHINE FOR USE IN SHAPING FLEXIBLE MATERIALS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug.

INVENTOR HOWARD H HOFFMAN ATTORNEY;

May 14, 1968 H. H. HOFFMAN 3,382,517

SHAPING MACHINE FOR USE IN SHAPING FLEXIBLE MATERIALS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 5, 1966 F7 :5. IE.

INVENTOR HOWARD H. HOFFMAN TTORNEYj May 14, 1968 q H. H. HOFFMAN 3,332,517

SHAPING MACHINE FOR USE IN SHAPING FLEXIBLE MATERIALS Filed Aug. 5, 1966 4 Sheets-$heet 5 7 F75. 7 i y 54 I ]J 7/ I Z x M J] I J fi I HOWARD H. Hafi 1212?21 ATTORNEY} y 14, 1968 H. H. HIIOFFMAN 3,382,517

SHAPING MACHINE FOR USE IN SHAPING FLEXIBLE MATERIALS Fil ed Aug. 5, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR HOWARD -H. HOFFMAN BYmMf/w ATTORN EYj United States Patent 3,332,517 SHAPING MACHINE FOR USE IN SHAPING FLEXIBLE MATERIALS Howard H. Hoffman, Nashville, Tenn., assignor to Southern Shoe Machinery Company, Nashville,

Tenn, a corporation of Tennessee Filed Aug. 3, 1966, Ser. No. 569,904 9 Claims. (CI. 1221) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A machine for shaping flexible materials such as elongated soles for shoes or moccasins in which the flexible material is secured in position with an end portion in such position that it can be clamped on a shaping die and the end permanently shaped in a cupping die disposed in complementary relation to the shaping die.

The present invention relates to an improved machine and a method of manufacturing shoes, such as moccasins.

It is a primary purpose of the present invention to provide a machine for shaping materials such as an elongated sole for shoes or moccasins. In connection with the shoe manufacture the back portion of the sole is permanently preshaped to provide an upwardly extended tongue to conform to the back or stay of the upper and to which it may then be attached, as by sewing.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a machine for shaping flexible materials which includes means for clamping the flexible material in position so that a portion thereof is extended or projected over a shaping die in a desired shape and then permanently shaped by a complementary heated die.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course of the following detailed description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and wherein from the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred machine and method of shoe manufacturer:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the improved machine showing all of the movable parts thereof in opened relation.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the machine of FIG. 1 with a sole clamped on the machine, including a rear end portion of the sole clamped upon a shoe shaped form or die.

FIG. 3. is a perspective view of the machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 showing a cupping form or die in closed relation upon the shaping form or die for the purpose of permanently preshaping or setting the rear end of the sole to provide an upper attaching tongue or portion which readily conforms to the shape of the stay or rear portion of the shoe or moccasin upper.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 4--4 of FIG. 2, and showing a clamping means for holding. the sole in position so that it may be shaped by the sole shaping and cupping forms and dies.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on the line 5-5 of FIG. 2, and showing more particularly parts of the sole clamping means.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken through the clamping and cupping and forming dies, showing the relative association thereof and their relation to a sole in the act of having the rear end thereof shaped and preset.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken through an adjustable portion of the machine substantially on the line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

"ice

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a flat flexible moccasin sole prior to a permanent shaping at the rear end thereof.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sole after the rear end portion thereof has been permanently shaped or set.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on the line 10--10 of FIG. 9 and showing how the preset end portion of the sole is shaped as to curvature.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken through the rear portion of a moccasin showing how the sole is shaped to conform to the curvature of the back or stay portion of the upper for attachment thereto.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the moccasin shown in FIG. 11.

In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the letter A may generally designate the improved machine. It preferably includes a frame portion B, upon which is mounted a sole clamping assembly C. A sole shaping form or die assembly D and its mounting and clamping means is provided. The machine also includes a sole cupping form or die E and its mounting and adjustable means.

The machine frame B is intended to be attached to a table 20, or some supporting means similar thereto, as shown in the dot-and-dash lines in FIG. 6 of the drawings. It includes a base or table portion 21 provided with openings 22 therein for receiving bolts by means of which it may be attached to the support 20. The table 21 is horizontal and the top flat surface thereof is intended to receive the sole F thereon in the position shown in FIG.

The sole clamping means C preferably comprises a fixed block or plate portion 25 which, as shown in FIG. '4 of the drawings, is mounted by nuts 26 upon the ends of bolts 27 which are attached to the base 21 and the upper rail portion 28 of 2. depending supporting standard 29. The bolts 27 at their lower end are secured by nuts 30 through the thicknesses of the rail 28 and the base 21. This spaces the plate 25 above the base 21, as shown in FIG. 4.

The clamping assembly C includes a clamping platen 31 which, as shown in FIG. 5, is supported for vertical movement upon upstanding pins 32. Compression springs 33 spring load the platen 31 so that it is normally spaced upwardly a predetermined distance from the base plate 21.

The plate 25 supports means for moving the clamping plate 31 against the force of the biasing springs 33 into clamping relation upon the sole F. This means consists of a handle 35 pivoted at 36 on the plate 25 and extending downwardly through an opening 37 therein; the lower end having a roller 38 thereon adapted to act in camrning relation on the top of the clamping platen 31. Adjustable bolts 40 are threaded upon the plate 25, as shown in FIG. 4, and the inner end spacing thereof determines the amount of play or are of movement of the handle 35 in moving from a clamping position, as shown in FIG. 4, to an opened position as shown in FIG. 1.

The depending standard 29 is constructed of angle stock and includes depending legs 41 which serve the purpose of mounting the sole clamping and sole cupping forms or dies.

Referring to the sole shaping form or die D and its mounting and sole clamping and adjusting means, the same comprises a supporting block or base portion 50, shown in FIG. 6, which includes a shaping head 51 pivoted at 52 upon the base plate 21, as shown in FIG. 6. The block or base has pivotally secured thereto at its lower and outer end, at 53, an adjusting stem or rod 54. The latter is slidably mounted upon a cross bar 55 extending between and attached to the leg portions 4-1 of the depending standard 29. This adjustable rod 54 determines the positionwhich the shapedhead 51 will occupy with respect supporting rod5 5 within which the member 54 is slidable.

As is shown in FIG. 6, the rod 54 is provided at spaced intervals with externalcircumferential grooves 57, and as shown in FIG. 7, the supporting bar 55 is mounted at the ends thereof upon the legs 41. Upon one of these legs 41 the bar 55 is mountedupon a bolt 60 which extends through an opening 61 in the leg 41 and held in place thereon by means of a bolt 62 and washer head 63. The

bar 55 is providedwith a passageway 70 therealong which houses a plunger 71. The latter is spring loaded at '72 and normally forcedagainst a ball 73 which may enter into any of the grooves 57 for the length adjustment ofthe rod 54.

For the purpose of limiting the range of adjustment and movement offltlie rod 54 with respect to the bar56 I provide movement limiting rings 74 at opposite sides of the bar 56 which may be clamped at 75 in secured relation at various locations along the rod 54. This limits the range of longitudinal.adjustment, of the rod'54 as shown in FIG. 6, tothreeof the grooves 57. This adjustment is necessary in order tovlary the position of the shaping form or die D conditions of sole shaping.

A clamping means is provided upon and as part of the shaping form or. die D. It consists in the provision of the movabie block or member 80 pivotally secured by a link 81. upon the lower outer end of the base 50 of form D. The block has a clamping member 82 secured at 83 upon the shaping block 50. The latter has an inclined surface 84 upon which the clamping block 80 may be slide for the purpose of engaging the clamping member 82 against the extreme marginal end of the sole F, as shown in FIG. 6. t

Means to adjust the position of the block 80 into and out of sole clamping position comprises a screw threaded supporting shank 90 which is secured in detachable relation upon the block 55), as shown in FIG. 6. It extends in acute angulanrel-ation to the slide surface 84. The clamping block 30 isprovided with a relatively large passageway 92 through which the screw threaded shank 90 expurpose of holding the 4 107 to the shaping block 50, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. These springs 105 normally hold the sole cupping head 102 in closed position upon the shaping head 51,

' as shown in FIG. 3. The cupping cavity 108 is lined with silicone rubber100 in order to withstand high temperature heat up to 480 F. should this amount of heat be necessary for the shaping of heavy materials. The springs 105 normally forcefully hold the cupping forrnin closed position upon the shaping head 51, as shown in the drawings. To release the cupping form E from its engagement upon the shaping head 51 it is merely necessary to move the cupping head to the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This bodily moves the springs 105 so that their longitudinal axes pass'through the dead center of hinge axis of the piv0t103 from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The springs 105 in the opened position of the cupping head will hold the cupping head opened.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the sole P will be shaped at its rear extension 120 so that it will becupped and shaped as shown at 12.0 with curvatures I both longitudinally andtransversely to conform to the and'it s head 51 to conform to various.

l for the shoe or curvatures of the rear stay or portion 122 of the shoe or moccasin upper 123.

In operation the sole F in itsflattened condition, as shown in FIG. '8, is placed on the base plate 21. The

adjustment of the sole shaping form or die D 'is made according to the size and nature of the shape desired Cabove described. The rear end of the sole F is brought to position over the shaping head 51 and clamped by the member 82 at its extreme rear margin against the shaping head 51. This holds the rear portion of the sole taut end of the sole to provide an upper attaching tongue 120 tends in order that theblock may slidably move along I the surface 84 into a sole clamping position. The sole clamping action is regulated by means of nut 94 internally screw threaded for receiving the threads of the shank and having a hand engaging knob 95 extending rearwardly from .the machine for convenience in turning. A loose washer 96 is positioned upon the shank 90. ."l he nut 94 upon being rotated will move the washer 96 into engagement with the block 80 for the purpose of sliding the clamping bloclc 80 alongthe surface 84.to a sole clamping position as shown in FIG. 6.

It will be apparent from FIG. 6, and tlie foregoing description, that the Sole shaping form or die may be positioned so that its shaping head 51 can be brought into proper position to secure proper lateral and longitudinal curvature at the end of the sole F through the adjustments above described. The block 50 is provided with an electrical heating element 100 which may be turned on or off by means of a switch 101 secured to :1 depending leg 41,

as shown in FIG. 1. A temperature control unit for the tester may. also be provided.

The sole cupping form or die E and its rnounting and adjusting means preferably comprises a precast block partion 107 and a cupping head 102. It is pivotally secured at 103 to the clamping block 80, as shown in FIG. 6. The head 102 may bemoved by means of a knob type handle 104. Spiral springs 105 are provided at each side of the shaping head 102 secured at 106 to theblock 107 at their outer ends. At their lower ends they are secured at with curvatures both transversely and longitudinally to suitcurv'atures of the upper 123. i

It is within the contemplation of this invention to adapt the features shown and described to the shaping and formation of other materials than shoe and moccasin soles.

Various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts, and alterations in and to the steps of the method for shaping, may be made to the form of invention herein shown and described, without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the claims.

I claim: r

1. In' a machine for shaping flexible material such as shoe soles, the combination of a supporting base, means on the baseto clamp a shoe sole thereon with an end extending beyond the base, a shaping die, means connecting the shaping die to the base in a position beyond the end of the base, saidshaping die having a portion thereof shaped for the purpose of shape setting the rear end of the sole, a cupping die, and means movably mounting the cupping die on the shaping die for cupping the same in complementary relation with respect to the shaping die.

2. In a machine for the permanent setting of portions of flexible materials, such as leather, the combination of a supporting base, means to clamp a piece of flexible material on the base, a shaping die movably connected to said base, adjusting means to angularly adjust the position of the shaping die with respect to the material supporting moccasin. The sole F is clamped as shown in FIG. 6 upon base 21 by the clamping means ing means to slidably manipulate the position of the clamping means to secure or release the flexible material with respect to the shaping die, and in which the cupping die is pivotally mounted upon said clamping means.

4. The machine, described in claim 2 in which the means to angularly adjust the position of the shaping die comprises framemeans connected to said plate, an adjusting rod pivotally connected to said shaping die, and means on said frame for securely holding the rod along the length thereof in a desired adjusted position. I

5. The machine described in claim 2 in which the clamping means mounted on the shaping die is pivotally linked for sliding action on the shaping die therealong.

6. In a machine for shaping flexible materials the combination of a frame having a supporting base, means on the base to clamp a piece of flexible material thereon with a portion of the material extending or projecting from the base, a shaping die, means mounting the shaping die on the frame in a position thereon to receive the projected portion of the flexible material, said shaping die being shaped for the purpose of shape setting the flexible material into a desired form, a cupping die, and means movably mounting the cupping die on the frame in complementary relation with respect to the shaping die for shape forming the projected portion of the flexible material.

7. The machine described in claim 6 in which the shaping dieis movably mounted upon the frame with means to angularly adjustably position the same in stationary position with respect to the base and in which a clamping means is mounted on the shaping die to hold the projected portion of the flexible material to be shaped in close conformity upon the shaping die in the position in which it is to be shaped.

8. In a machine for permanently shaping portions of flexible material, the combination of a frame having supporting base adapted to support a piece of flexible material, means to clamp a piece of flexible material on the supporting base, a shaping die movably connected to said frame,

adjusting means to angularly and linearly adjust the position of the shaping die with respect to the flexible material supporting plane of the base, clamping mounted on the Shaping die to clamp a portion of the flexible material to be shaped in configuration to the die, a cupping die; and means for moving the cupping die into shape setting position with respect to the die portion of the shaping die.

9. In a machine for shaping flexible materials, such as shoe soles, the combination of a frame having a horizontal supporting base and an upright frame portion upon which the base is supported, means on the base to clamp a piece of flexible material thereon with an end portion projecting from the base, a shaping die, said shaping die having a die portion formed to shape set the projecting end of the flexible material above mentioned, means mounting the shaping die upon the upright for pivotally and adjustably moving the shaping die with respect to the base to properly position the die portion of the shaping die in relation to the base, clamping means mounted on the shaping die to clamp the flexible material in conformity to the shaping portion of the shaping die, a cupping die, means movably mounting the cupping die in complementary relation to the shaping die for the purpose of shaping the projected portion of the flexible material upon the shaping die.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,020,344 11/1935 Winkley 1221 X 2,134,100 10/1938 Bray 12-21 2,230,368 2/1941 Winkley 12--21 2,635,361 4/1953 Ayers 36-2.5 2,907,058 10/1959 Evins 12--1 3,038,183 6/1962 Roach 12-123 X FOREIGN PATENTS 1,185,523 10/1957 France.

PATRICK D. LAWSON, Primary Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,382,517 May 14, 1968 Howard H. Hoffman It is certified that error appears in the above identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1 line 40, "from" should read for line 48 "shaped" should read shaping Column 3, line 2, "shaped" should read shapihg line 36, after "may" cancel "be";

line 59, after "die" insert D Column 6, line 32, "2,907,058 10/59 Evins l2- ,l" should read 2,907,058

10/59 Evins 12-1X Signed and sealed this 23rd day of September 1969.

(SEAL) Attest:

Edward M. Fletcher, Jr.

Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

